Framed and quick-leveling liquid collection device

ABSTRACT

A liquid collection apparatus includes a flexible frame configured to lie substantially in a plane when the apparatus is deployed, the frame being flexible in directions that are substantially in the plane and rigid in directions that are substantially perpendicular to the plane; a flexible barrier material connected to the frame; a drain in the flexible barrier material; and a plurality of openings positioned at spaced locations adjacent to the frame.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/701,343 filed Sep. 14, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to apparatus and methods for the collection and/or diversion of liquids.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Leak diverters are used to capture, collect, and redirect leaking liquids to a safer or more convenient location. Common applications include collecting rainwater from a ceiling under a leaking roof or condensation dripping from a pipe, and re-directing the collected liquids to a container or drain via a hose or tube.

Typically, construction of these devices includes a collection device made of a flexible and waterproof tarp-like barrier material with a drain located at what is expected to be the lowest point. A hose or tube is attached to drain away the collected liquid. The outer perimeter of the “tarp” portion of the device typically is unsupported without any type of structure or framing, and the unit is connected to the building structure below the leaking point by ropes or cords that extend between a hanging point at some adjacent structure and grommets in the barrier. The device slopes inward to the center where a collection hose is attached at the presumed low point.

These devices are typically made with a flexible barrier material, such as a rubberized fabric, reinforced PVC or a heavy weight film, and are folded or rolled-up for easy storage and transport. During use, the collection device is hung under the leak typically with ropes or cords attached to the barrier material at each grommet. To maintain the draining capability, the drain must be at the lowest point or liquid may breach the edge of the device. This necessitates that the device must be hung nearly level, which is often difficult with the current commercial designs. Often the available hanging points near the leak are not evenly spaced or at equal heights, requiring multiple adjustments to each attachment rope to finally achieve a state where the drain is at the low point.

Additionally, since the edges of the device are held taught by the tension applied by the hanging ropes, the current devices are not practical to fit around ceiling obstacles, such as vent pipes. Typically when doing so, one edge of the device will be higher than the opposite side causing the collection point to shift from the low point.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect the present invention provides a liquid collection apparatus including a flexible frame configured to lie substantially in a plane when the apparatus is deployed, the frame being flexible in directions that are substantially in the plane and rigid in directions that are substantially perpendicular to the plane; a flexible barrier material connected to the frame; a drain in the flexible barrier material; and a plurality of openings positioned at spaced locations adjacent to the frame.

In another aspect the present invention provides liquid collection apparatus including a flexible barrier material; a drain in the flexible barrier material; and a frame coupled to the flexible barrier material, wherein the frame includes a plurality of openings structured and arranged for a first cord to pass through two of the openings and a first portion of the frame, and for a second cord to pass through two of the openings and a second portion of the frame, wherein the frame can slide on the first and second cords.

In another aspect the present invention provides a method of collecting a liquid including: providing a liquid collection apparatus including a frame configured to lie substantially in a horizontal plane when the apparatus is deployed under a liquid source, and a flexible barrier material connected to the frame; running a first cord through at least two openings in the barrier material or through at least two openings in the frame; running a second cord through at least two openings in the barrier material or through at least two openings in the frame; attaching the first and second cords to support points; and sliding the liquid collection apparatus on the cords to level the frame of the liquid collection apparatus.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a liquid collection apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, when the apparatus is deployed for fluid collection.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the frame of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are illustrations of a clamping device.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of another liquid collection apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the apparatus of FIG. 5, folded into a storage position.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a liquid collection apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a liquid collection apparatus (also called a leak diverter) that can be easily installed under a leaking structure or other liquid source, and eliminates both the need for multiple adjustments after initial hanging and the occasional need to cut/alter the diverter to fit around obstructions.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a plan view of a liquid collection apparatus 10 (also called a leak diverter, or simply a diverter) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, when the apparatus is deployed for liquid collection.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the liquid collection apparatus 10 includes a flexible barrier material, also called a tarp, 12 coupled to a frame 14. In this embodiment, the frame is positioned in a pocket 16 formed by stitching 18 adjacent to an outer edge of the barrier material. A plurality of openings 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 and 42 are positioned at spaced locations adjacent to the frame. A grommet is positioned at each opening to reinforce the flexible barrier material. The flexible barrier material can be a sheet of fluid impermeable material. In this embodiment, the grommets are embedded in the barrier material. However, in other embodiments, the grommets could be coupled to the frame or barrier material, for example by tabs that extend from the frame of barrier material. Cords or ropes 44, 46 are provided to suspend the apparatus below a leak. The ends of the cords can be fastened to a convenient structure or other anchor point 48, 50, 52, 54. Each of the cords is configured to pass through at least two of the grommets, allowing the apparatus to slide along the cords until it reaches a substantially level orientation. In FIG. 1, cord 44 extends between anchor points 48 and 50 and passes through grommets 20 and 24. A portion 56 of the cord 44 extends below the tarp. In this embodiment, the grommets are substantially evenly spaced adjacent to the perimeter of the barrier material. Cord 46 extends between anchor points 52 and 54 and passes through grommets 32 and 36. A portion 58 of the cord 46 extends below the tarp. While the embodiment of FIG. 1 shows the cords passing through different grommets, in other embodiments, both cords can pass through a common grommet. In that case, a first cord would pass through first and second ones of the openings, and a second cord would pass through the first opening and a third one of the openings.

A drain 60 is positioned near the center of the barrier material. In this embodiment, the drain comprises a pipe or hose coupler 62 configured to connect to a pipe or hose 64. A strainer 66 can be included to prevent debris from passing into the pipe or hose.

As illustrated in the deployed position of FIG. 2, the frame is structured and arranged or otherwise configured to be deployed substantially in a horizontal plane 68. The cords can be positioned to loop around the anchor points and to be secured by a clamping device 70. The clamping device provides a convenient means of adjusting the length of the cord between the hanging points. Thus if the hanging points are positioned at various heights and/or various distances from the collection apparatus, the cord length can be set to allow the frame of the collection apparatus to be positioned in a substantially horizontal plane.

The frame can be constructed of a material that is flexible in directions oriented substantially in the plane and rigid (or less flexible) in directions oriented substantially perpendicular to the plane. As used in this description the term rigid means resistant to bending. However, it will be recognized that even in directions perpendicular to the plane some bending may occur in a practical embodiment. While some deflection of the frame in the perpendicular direction may occur, the frame is rigid enough in that direction to limit sagging of the edge of the barrier material to reduce the probability of spillover to an acceptable level. Thus the term “rigid” encompasses embodiments that allow some relatively small bending in the directions perpendicular to the plane of the frame.

While the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 includes an oval-shaped barrier material, the invention is not limited to any particular shape of barrier material. Also in this embodiment, the openings are substantially evenly spaced adjacent to the perimeter of the barrier material. However, the openings need not be evenly spaced.

The flexible frame comprises a loop that extends through a pocket adjacent to an edge of the barrier material, and can be positioned in a plane. During fluid collection or diversion, the plane can be substantially horizontal. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the frame 14 of the apparatus of FIG. 1. The frame 14 is shown to have a rectangular cross-sectional shape, with the height 72 being larger than the width 74. With this shape, when the frame is positioned in the plane 68 shown in FIG. 2, the frame is relatively flexible in directions 76 lying substantially in the plane and relatively rigid in directions 78 lying substantially perpendicular to the plane.

As shown in FIG. 3, the frame can be constructed of a strip of material having a first thickness in the direction perpendicular to the plane and a second thickness in a direction in the plane. The first thickness is larger than the second thickness. With this structure, the frame is more flexible in directions that lie within the plane and less flexible in directions that are perpendicular to the plane. The ends of the strip of material can be coupled by a crimped sleeve or otherwise connected to each other to form a loop.

In one embodiment, the frame comprises a strip of spring steel. In a particular example, the spring steel can be SAE type 1095, having a thickness of about 0.05 inches and a width of about 0.25 inches. The ends of the spring steel can be coupled by a crimped metal sleeve to form a loop.

When the apparatus is deployed for fluid collection, the shape of the frame can change such that the frame can be deflected around obstacles.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are illustrations of the clamping device 80. The clamping device includes a body 82 having two openings 84 and 85, and a spring loaded slider 86 that lies in a slot in the body and includes two openings similar to 84 and 85. When the slider is depressed to compress spring 88, the openings in the body and slider line up and a cord can be threaded through the openings. Then the slider can be released, securing the cord.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of another liquid collection apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The liquid collection apparatus 90 of FIG. 5 includes a substantially circular barrier material 92 and a frame 94 positioned in a pocket 96 formed by stitching 98 adjacent to the edge of the barrier material. Openings 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 and 126 are positioned in the barrier material and adjacent to an edge thereof Grommets can be positioned in the openings. Cords or ropes 128, 130 are provided to support the apparatus when it is deployed for fluid collection. A drain 132 is provided in the center of the barrier material. In FIG. 5, the liquid collection apparatus 90 is installed adjacent to a pipe 134. The use of a frame that is flexible in the plane of the frame allows the collection apparatus to deform around at least a portion of the adjacent pipe.

When the liquid collection apparatus is not in use, the frame can be folded to reduce the size of the apparatus for storage. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the apparatus 90 of FIG. 5, folded into a storage position. When needed to collect fluid, the coiled/folded up frame can be easily deployed for use.

The quick leveling feature of the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 can be achieved by running the attachment cords/ropes through, but not fastened to, the grommets. This allows the apparatus to slide along the cords to a level position.

The frame may be constructed of a flexible, yet rigid material, such as spring steel, fiberglass or plastic. Use of a flexible frame allows additional support compared to previous designs, but also provides some structure to support the sides of the diverter, keeping them raised to capture liquid, but allowing the unit to flex and conform to surrounding obstructions such as pipes, supports, conduit, building framing, etc. The use of spring steel, for instance, allows for a circular or elliptical shape, but additional shapes are possible with this type of construction.

The shape of the liquid collection apparatus is determined by the shape of the flexible barrier material. In various embodiments, the flexible tarp-like material is wrapped around the frame.

The frame can be coated with a rust resistant coating. For example, the rust resistant coating can include at least one of: paint, a powder coated polymer, bluing, metal plating, oil, grease, or a sleeve of rust resistant material. In one example, the sleeve of rust resistant material can comprise a heat shrunk polymer sleeve. In a particular example, the heat shrunk polymer sleeve can be a polyolefin or synthetic rubber.

In another embodiment, the frame can be a non-flexible, rigid tubular material with the attaching cord passing through it. FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a liquid collection apparatus 140 (also called a leak diverter, or simply a diverter) constructed in accordance with this embodiment. The embodiment of FIG. 7 includes a flexible barrier material, also called a tarp, 142 coupled to a frame 144. In this embodiment, the frame is positioned in a pocket 146 formed by wrapping an outer edge of the barrier material around the frame. The frame includes first, second, third and fourth tubes 148, 150, 152 and 154 coupled to each other to form a rectangular frame. The frame includes at least four openings 156, 158, 160, 162. While the frame in this embodiment includes four tubes, the frame could be made of more or fewer tubes, or even a single tube that includes the four openings. The flexible barrier material can be a sheet of fluid impermeable material. Cords or ropes 164, 166 are provided to suspend the apparatus below a leak. The ends of the cords can be fastened to a convenient structure or other anchor point 168, 170, 172, 174. Each of the cords is configured to pass through an opening in the frame between two of the openings allowing the apparatus to slide along the cords until it reaches a substantially level orientation.

A drain 176 is positioned near the center of the barrier material. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the drain can comprise a pipe or hose coupler configured to connect to a pipe or hose. A strainer can be included to prevent debris from passing into the pipe or hose.

The quick leveling feature of the embodiment of FIG. 7 can be achieved by running the attachment cords/ropes through, but not fastened to, the tubular frame. This allows the apparatus to slide along the cords to a level position.

Use of a rigid frame simplifies the hanging process compared to previous leak diverter designs by giving a solid supporting structure to the barrier material, relieving some of the need for each individual cord to fully support of the barrier material. The rigid frame can be constructed in unlimited shapes and sizes.

The frame of the disclosed embodiments provides some rigidity and structural support to the collection area of the diverter. Since the entire outer perimeter of the flexible barrier material is supported, attachment points for the cords do not need to be at the corners of the diverter. This allows for greater flexibility in securing to available attachment points. Benefits of the disclosed embodiments include the ability to center the diverter directly under the drip as well as the ability to quickly and easily adjust the diverter to a level plane for proper draining.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of collecting a liquid including: providing a liquid collection apparatus including a frame configured to lie substantially in a horizontal plane when the apparatus is deployed under a liquid source, and a flexible barrier material connected to the frame; running a first cord through at least two openings in the barrier material or through at least two openings in the frame; running a second cord through at least two other openings in the barrier material or through at least two other openings in the frame; attaching the first and second cords to support points; and sliding the liquid collection apparatus on the cords to level the frame of the liquid collection apparatus.

Whereas particular embodiments of this invention have been described above for purposes of illustration, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that numerous variations of the details of the present invention may be made without departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A liquid collection apparatus comprising: a flexible frame configured to lie substantially in a plane when the apparatus is deployed, the frame being flexible in directions lying substantially in the plane and rigid in directions that are substantially perpendicular to the plane; a flexible barrier material connected to the frame; a drain in the flexible barrier material; and a plurality of openings positioned at spaced locations adjacent to the frame.
 2. The liquid collection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the openings are structured and arranged for a first cord to pass through two of the openings, and for a second cord to pass through two of the openings, wherein the frame can slide on the first and second cords.
 3. The liquid collection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the openings are structured and arranged for a first cord to pass through first and second ones of the openings, and for a second cord to pass through the first opening and a third one of the openings, wherein the frame can slide on the first and second cords.
 4. The liquid collection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises: a strip of material having a thicker dimension in the directions that are substantially perpendicular to the plane than in the directions that are substantially in the plane.
 5. The liquid collection apparatus of claim 4, wherein ends of the strip of material are coupled to each other by a sleeve to form a loop.
 6. The liquid collection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame is positioned in a pocket adjacent to an edge of the flexible barrier material.
 7. The liquid collection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises: spring steel.
 8. The liquid collection apparatus of claim 7, wherein the spring steel comprises: SAE type 1095, having a thickness of about 0.05 inches and a width of about 0.25 inches.
 9. The liquid collection apparatus of claim 7, wherein the frame is coated with a rust resistant coating.
 10. The liquid collection apparatus of claim 9, wherein the rust resistant coating comprises at least one of: paint, a powder coated polymer, bluing, metal plating, oil, grease, or a sleeve of rust resistant material.
 11. The liquid collection apparatus of claim 10, wherein the sleeve of rust resistant material comprises: a heat shrunk polymer sleeve.
 12. The liquid collection apparatus of claim 11, wherein the heat shrunk polymer sleeve comprises: a polyolefin or synthetic rubber.
 13. The liquid collection apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of grommets positioned at the openings.
 14. A liquid collection apparatus comprising: a flexible barrier material; a drain in the flexible barrier material; a frame coupled to the flexible barrier material, wherein the frame includes a plurality of openings structured and arranged for a first cord to pass through two of the openings and a first portion of the frame, and for a second cord to pass through two of the openings and a second portion of the frame, wherein the frame can slide on the first and second cords.
 15. The liquid collection apparatus of claim 14, wherein the frame is positioned in a pocket adjacent to an edge of the flexible barrier material.
 16. A method of collecting a liquid comprising: providing a liquid collection apparatus including a frame configured to lie substantially in a horizontal plane when the apparatus is deployed under a liquid source, and a flexible barrier material connected to the frame; running a first cord through at least two openings in the barrier material or through at least two openings in the frame; running a second cord through at least two openings in the barrier material or through at least two openings in the frame; attaching the first and second cords to support points; and sliding the liquid collection apparatus on the cords to level the frame of the liquid collection apparatus. 